Without consulting her, he had decided that Yasmin would be a more suitable and elegant name for his wife than Frida. It was one of the first signs that her identity was disposable.
-- Samra Habib (chapter 1)

Importance: This quote underscores the power dynamics in the relationship between Samra's parents. It establishes that her mother does not have much personal agency and that her identity is reduced to her roles as wife and mother. While this quote tells a personal story, it is symbolic of rampant sexism that surrounded Samra's upbringing. It is indicative of how women were viewed and treated during her childhood and it characterizes her parents in such a way that readers can better understand why they make the choices they do about Samra's life and future. Ultimately, Samra will reject these patriarchal gender norms, separating her life path from her parents' legacy.

Ironically, it was she, the very person who’d...
-- Samra Habib (chapter 4)